Replacing a Camshaft Seal (Honda Civic 1999, D15B).

For you Honda Civic owners and DIYs, this instructable is for you! There is no need to remove the rocker arms assembly, set the engine to TDC, remove the timing belt completely or touch the crankshaft pulley! Read on for how to do it without hassle!

I noticed oil on my alternator belt and a couple drops everytime I parked the car. Investigating showed me oil contamination at edges of the upper cover for the timing belt. I suspected the 17 year old camshaft seal was gone. First step is to remove the Valve Cover and Timing Belt Upper cover to expose the cam gear.

For my Honda civic 1999 I needed to remove the power steering pump to get room to work.

Step 1: Removing the Timing Belt and Cam Gear Pulley.

I loosened the pulley bolt then marked the pulley teeth and Timing Belt with a metal marker. I didn't need to do this since it's not possible to turn the camshaft after the pulley came off however better safe than sorry.

The Timing Belt I slid off the pulley and next I very carefully removed it.

There is no need to put the engine to top dead Centre since the camshaft won't spin on its own.

Step 2: Removing the Rear Plastic Cover.

I had to support the oil sump pan and remove the upper engine mount bracket to get to the lone 10mm bolt holding the inner cover. Once out I put it aside with the bracket. Later on I degreased it and put black silicone adhesive on the gasket grooves.

Step 3: Removing the Old Seal.

I used a small amount of powerlube to lube the inner and outer edges of the seal. Next I used a small head flatblade screwdriver to gently Pry the inner surface outwards.

Here you can see the new and old seals plus the leak of engine oil that was causing all the mess.

Step 4: Installing the New Seal.

I coated the inner and outer surfaces with engine oil. Next I used a clean rag to clean the seal well and all the oil leaks in the Timing Belt chamber.

I used a 32mm socket to gently and evenly hand press the seal back in place. It needed to be level with the bottom of the short bevel at the front of the seal well.

Step 5: Closing Up.

The inner plastic cover went on first with its lone 10mm bolt. I used black silicone to seal the spaces between the engine block and the cover.

Next the engine upper mount bracket went on and I removed the jack holding the oil sump.

The camshaft Pulley with the Timing Belt went on after and I finger tightened the 12mm bolt. I made sure to line up the marks on the Timing Belt and camshaft Pulley. I used the ratchet to tighten it and stopped when the pulley started turning clockwise. Next went on then its upper cover.

Valve cover with fresh liquid gasket and new bolt washer rubbers. I degreased and washed the engine after. Four hours later I started her up and she was fine.

Hopefully no more oil leaks in a very long time. Not bad for a 2 hour job inclusive of bathroom breaks :)